French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines savory caramelized onions, juicy ground beef, and tender rice in a creamy sauce. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions, it makes an easy weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for best flavor)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Step 5: Add uncooked rice and sour cream to the soup mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Step 6: Layer half of the cooked beef and onion mixture in the casserole dish, then pour half of the soup mixture over it. Repeat the layers.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove foil, top with crispy fried onions, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use mozzarella cheese for a milder, creamier topping instead of Swiss.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the soup mixture before baking.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice will take longer to cook and may change the texture. If using brown rice, pre-cook it partially before adding to the casserole or increase the baking time accordingly.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole combines savory caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and tender rice all baked in a rich blend of French onion and cream of mushroom soups. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy fried onions, this comforting casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner that packs loads of flavor and satisfying textures.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred for best flavor)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For Caramelizing Onions

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Prepare Soup Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the French onion soup, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add Rice and Sour Cream: Stir the uncooked rice and sour cream into the soup mixture until evenly incorporated.
6. Assemble Casserole Layers: Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Pour half of the soup and rice mixture over the beef layer. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and soup mixture in another layer.
7. Add Cheese and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8. Add Crispy Onions and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an added pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella cheese if Swiss cheese is not available.
• Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and reduce or omit the crispy fried onions topping.
• Make sure to not rinse the rice; the starch will help thicken the casserole.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: French onion casserole, ground beef casserole, baked rice casserole, comfort food, Swiss cheese casserole